How to Protect Yourself from Unemployment Insurance Fraud in Hawaii

April 2022

Source: Ongoing DLIR fraud alerts; 1099-G guidance updated 2022–2025

Unemployment insurance fraud affects both individual claimants and the public trust fund. Hawaii DLIR has issued multiple alerts about identity theft, phishing scams, and fraudulent claims filed in victims' names.

Common types of UI fraud

DLIR and federal investigators have identified several fraud patterns affecting Hawaii residents:

  • Identity theft claims: Someone files a UI claim using your name and Social Security number without your knowledge
  • Phishing and text scams: Fake messages claiming to be from DLIR ask you to click links or provide personal information
  • Money mule schemes: Scammers ask you to receive and forward unemployment payments
  • False certifications: Claimants report they did not work when they did, or fail to report earnings

Warning signs of a scam

DLIR will never ask you to pay a fee to receive benefits or to verify your claim through a third-party gift card or wire transfer. Be suspicious of:

  • Unexpected text messages or emails with links to unfamiliar websites
  • Calls asking for your full Social Security number, PIN, or bank password
  • Offers to file a claim on your behalf for a fee
  • Receiving a 1099-G tax form for UI benefits you never applied for or received

What to do if you receive a 1099-G for benefits you did not claim

If you receive IRS Form 1099-G showing unemployment compensation you did not receive, you may be a victim of identity theft. DLIR advises you to:

  1. Report the fraud to DLIR using the fraud reporting options on huiclaims.hawaii.gov
  2. Contact the IRS Identity Theft unit and follow their guidance for reporting fraudulent 1099-G income
  3. File a report with the Hawaii Attorney General's office or local police
  4. Monitor your credit reports and consider placing a fraud alert

See our Identity Theft and 1099-G Forms page for more information.

How to report fraud

Report suspected UI fraud to DLIR by calling the UI call center and pressing 4 for fraud reporting, or use the online fraud reporting tool at huiclaims.hawaii.gov. You can also visit our Fraud / Scams page for current alerts.

Sources:

  • DLIR Unemployment Insurance Division fraud alerts
  • DLIR, Identity Theft and 1099-G Forms guidance
  • U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General UI fraud resources

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